NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- You may see new icons on fast food menus that warn customers of food containing high levels of sugar—as New York City becomes the first in the nation to mandate such a warning.
The icon—a pyramid with a spoonful of sugar—must be placed on any prepackaged food or drink or non-packaged equivalent that contains 50 grams or more of added sugars. That’s the daily recommended limit for a 2,000-calorie diet.
The icon is mandatory under a rule implemented by the NYC Health Department this month. It impacts roughly 4,000 chain restaurants in the five boroughs, officials said.
Restaurants must also warn customers of the health dangers of eating sugar over time, including an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, weight gain and tooth decay.
“As the first in the nation to add a warning icon for added sugars, this rule underlines our longstanding work to ensure New Yorkers have information about the food they eat,” said acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse.
The legislation that led to the rule was passed by the City Council in 2023 with the goal of empowering diners.